Something unique for Valentine's Day

Yes, it's just around the corner, and yes, I'm going through a rather anti-consumerism phase that coincides with the secret greenie novel I'm just completing (though I'm always happy about consumerism that involves my own books - same too I think for authors of anti-consumer books! May as well be honest about it.) and with the completion of my Marketing degree (I'll never go to the dark side, even if the cookies are good).  But I will say that a) greeting cards tend to be ridiculously over-priced and mostly get thrown out, and b) good poetry lasts, has a transformative effect, and basically is wonderful value however you look at it.  Especially when it comes in such a pretty, and inexpensive package (with such beautiful artwork - Vicki Thomas is a star).  So to appease my super fantastic marketing partner, and also to offer something just a wee bit better than artery clogging chocolates, or landfill clogging cards, I thought I'd reprint a review of the book of love poetry I wrote with Carolyn Howard-Johnson.  Free ebooks for the first 3 people who email me and ask for one.  Happy Valentine's Day all you lovers out there. “Love is the voice under all silences, the hope which has no opposite in fear; the strength so strong mere force is feebleness: the truth more first than sun, more last than star...” ee cummings


Reviewed by Molly Martin

Cherished Pulse: Unconventional Love Poetry
by Magdalena Ball and Carolyn Howard-Johnson
with artwork by Vicki Thomas
Paperback: 36 pages, ISBN-13: 978-1449546052, Oct 2009

Magdalena Ball presents the first 10 poems; from the haunting lyric found in ‘The Ocean,’ strength of ‘Great Sky,’ and stark reality of ‘Dark Matter,’ poet Ball moves the reader toward her final though provoking reflective work; ‘Baker’s Dozen’. Other titles by poet Ball include; Event Horizon, Personality, Body Language, Aurora, Galactic Collision, and Oubliette.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s poems begin with the delicate refrain found in ‘A Woman's Heart.’ ‘Dreaming Lilacs,’ move the reader into a scented, heart felt remembrance before moving on to a playful stanza ‘Hallmark Couldn't Possibly Get This Right.’ Poet Howard-Johnson’s last offering is a poignant introspective ‘Loving Lance.’ Other titles by this poet include; Watching My Daughter Say Goodbye To a Fleeting Love, Another Day, déjà vu?, Discovery, From the Observation Deck, LA Love Story.

Poets Ball and Howard-Johnson have joined forces to create an oeuvre of exquisite work. Readers are offered a rhythmical extravagance as Ball and Howard-Johnson draw upon their journey of life to give rise to an tour de force of superlative work. These bards have crafted an admirable read for their target audience of those who enjoy lyrical offerings. Readers are sure to be captivated in a most charming manner while reading the words offered by this pair of sensitive, forthright women whose evident ardor for life is aptly captured on the pages of this work.

Cherished Pulse Unconventional Love Poetry is a pleasurable collection of buoyant, spirited poetry sure to pique the interest of the most discerning reader who is looking for a nice afternoon’s read. Each of the verses is a true delight. There is something for everyone. Language use is not predictable, nevertheless Cherished Pulse is an invigorating read of agreeably constructed stanzas presented in a satisfactorily rounded assortment. The reader will be drawn into the verses’ rich stitching of sentiment, passion and sensation. Magdalena Ball and Carolyn Howard-Johnson move the reader along an voyage of poignant remembrance and encouraged expectations through the panorama of emotive setting. The authors have shaped a enticing publication of some of their most excellent compositions. Verses entice the reader with a multiplicity of intensely felt verses penned about human emotion. Fervor for life surges from the page as these rhymes are enjoyed. Verses filled with tenderness, perceptiveness and consideration are included. Those who are admirers of poetry and those who are not, are certain to find much to enjoy Cherished Pulse. Everyday issues of life tuned into an appealing work is not an easy task. Ball and HowardJohnson have succeeded admirably.

Cherished Pulse is meant to be read and then re-read as longing and inclination strikes. Each rhyme only gets better. The work lends itself well to the gift book tuck in market. Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend. A delightful read for all poetry lovers whiling away a lazy afternoon in the porch swing with a tall iced tea or mint julep nearby.

Literature for Father’s Day

How about literature for Father’s Day instead of ties or dinner?

We know ties are a cliché and in a few years, Dad won’t remember one Father’s Day dinner from another. Let’s face it, not all literature is created equal -- some books are just as fleeting, though most would be a step up from a gift certificate and certainly would help support the industry that we believe important for the future. I’m proposing poetry.

First, you may have never given your father, grandfather, or a favorite father figure in your life a book of poetry. Thus, it will be memorable. A small book of poetry will also be flattering. He will appreciate being treated tenderly. In fact, present a small chapbook with a single rose or gladiolus spray. Who says that only women want romance and tenderness in their lives! You could write your own beautiful and unique poem.

You might choose to tuck it inside the cover of the Chapbook Imagining the Future: Ruminations on Fathers and Other Masculine Apparitions that Carolyn Howard-Johnson and I wrote for our Celebration Series of chapbooks. Our idea for this series is to have small books written for those who prefer something a little a little more literary than the typical greeting card, but still accessible for those who didn’t study literature in school. And at an affordable price. With cover art (and sometimes interior art) chosen from among our circle of talented writing and artist friends.

Most of our booklets are $6.95. In addition to our newist father oriented book, we now have one for mothers (She Wore Emerald Then: Reflections on Motherhood), one that says love (Cherished Pulse: Unconventional Love Poetry), and are currently working on one for Christmas. It will be called Blooming Red (drop me a line if you'd like a sample or two!)

Think of your poetry presentation to Dad as a Father’s Day card; it costs little more than one. Or think of it as a tuck-in gift or a tie-on as part of the wrap. Any poetry book you choose can be made more personal if you tie in a little grosgrain or satin ribbon inside the crease of the book to be used as a bookmark.
And don’t forget the hug.

Here is a sample poem from Imagining the Future, and if you're a father, happy Father's Day to you!

Horizon Scanning

Your eyes squint at glare
wavering between dreams

imaginary lines
or clear delineations

from this point
it’s not possible to judge

take a stand from your degraded platform
speaker’s corner cardboard soapbox

microwave radiation
blocking your ears

you can shout your head off
until everyone gathers

it won’t change reality
or will it?

28 billion light years
one edge to the other

there you are
explorer without a map

scratching your head
the horizon problem flakes those broad shoulders


Atlas in messy hair
and bell bottoms

every mystery you solve
invokes another.